asking for envy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking for envy" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is seeking to provoke feelings of jealousy or envy in others. Example: "By flaunting her luxurious lifestyle on social media, she seems to be asking for envy from her followers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's asking for envy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The school is highly selective – asking for five As or A*s at GCSE-level – but even so, this year's A-level success would have been the envy of the highest-achieving schools in the country.

The Guardian

Still others said their jobs made them the object of envy, especially to people who come to military installations to ask for employment or help.

The New York Times

It asks us to envy its owner, and we do.

The New York Times

For instance, Ryu Murakami, a popular Japanese author who often writes about Internet-related matters, asked, "Do you envy rich people?" The response was an emphatic yes.

The New York Times

I had asked Redford about envy in relation to his father.

The Guardian - Film

Then he asked American and Spanish students, who have only one word for envy, to describe a time they felt envious.

The New Yorker

Asked if he envied Mr. Bloomberg's trailer setup, former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani said he would be jealous "only if you get rid of them for good".

The New York Times

Green for envy!

The New York Times - Arts

AMERICANS do not go in for envy.

The Economist

First, he worked with Dutch students, who have two words for envy, to gather baseline descriptions of how they felt benign envy, malicious envy, admiration, and resentment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "asking for envy", consider the context and ensure that it aligns with the intention of highlighting actions that deliberately or indirectly provoke feelings of jealousy in others.

Common error

Avoid using "asking for envy" when the situation involves genuine admiration or respect, rather than a deliberate attempt to provoke jealousy. The phrase implies a degree of intentionality that may not always be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for envy" functions as a descriptor, often used to characterize behavior that seems intended to elicit feelings of jealousy or resentment in others. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct and provides real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "asking for envy" is a grammatically correct, though relatively uncommon, expression used to describe actions or situations that appear designed to provoke feelings of envy. According to Ludwig AI, it is valid and can be found in reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times. While its usage is infrequent, understanding its meaning and nuances is essential for effective communication. Consider the context carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning, and explore alternatives such as "inviting envy" or "courting envy" for similar but slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courting envy

Implies actively seeking envy, similar to "asking for envy" but suggests a more deliberate action.

inviting envy

Suggests that actions naturally lead to envy, a slightly less direct approach than "asking for envy".

provoking jealousy

Shifts the focus to jealousy, a closely related emotion, implying a more aggressive instigation.

inciting envy

Emphasizes the act of stirring up envy, portraying a more intentional and potentially negative connotation.

seeking admiration and envy

Adds the element of admiration, suggesting a desire for a mixed response of positive and negative feelings.

flaunting to provoke envy

Highlights the act of displaying possessions or qualities with the intent to cause envy.

creating envy

Focuses on the outcome of actions that generate feelings of envy in others.

displaying to elicit envy

Emphasizes the showcasing of something valuable to trigger envy.

playing to envy

Suggests a manipulative approach, using actions to evoke envy for personal gain.

presenting oneself as enviable

Focuses on cultivating an image that naturally leads to envy from others.

FAQs

How can I use "asking for envy" in a sentence?

You can use "asking for envy" to describe situations where someone's actions or possessions seem designed to provoke jealousy. For example, "By constantly posting about her extravagant vacations, she's practically "asking for envy" from her friends".

What are some alternatives to "asking for envy"?

Alternatives include "inviting envy", "courting envy", or "provoking jealousy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "asking for envy"?

Yes, "asking for envy" is grammatically correct, although it's not a particularly common phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples of its usage.

What does "asking for envy" imply about the person's intentions?

"Asking for envy" implies that the person is either consciously or unconsciously engaging in behaviors that are likely to make others envious. It suggests a degree of awareness, if not outright intention, to provoke such feelings.